Agriculture remains the lifeline of communities across Vanuatu, but farmers are increasingly struggling with the challenges of climate change. Traditional planting cycles, once reliable for generations, are being disrupted by unpredictable weather patterns, making it harder to know the right time to plant and harvest.

A new initiative is helping farmers adapt by combining kastom knowledge with modern climate science.

At the recent Public Service Commission Open Day outreach on Tanna, farmer Timothy Loughman was eager to get his hands on a copy of the Local Seasonal Planting Calendar, developed by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD).

“This will greatly help and guide me and my family,” Timothy said. “It shows what crops to plant each month and helps us plan our cultural activities too.”

The planting calendar is more than just a schedule. It integrates local planting traditions with up-to-date climate data, giving farmers a year-round guide on the most favorable times to grow different crops. This fusion of traditional wisdom and modern science is helping communities increase their chances of a successful harvest despite increasingly erratic weather.

According to VanKIRAP Project Manager, Moirah Matou, this approach is vital for climate resilience:

“Vanuatu has a rich history of traditional knowledge, which has always been our first line of defense against environmental changes. The climate-smart planting calendar and other awareness initiatives are vital because they bridge this traditional wisdom with scientific data from VMGD, empowering our communities to make informed decisions and better prepare for the future.”

The calendar proved to be one of the most popular resources at the outreach booth, with high demand from farmers seeking practical solutions to safeguard their livelihoods and preserve kastom practices.

Timothy is one of many farmers embracing climate-smart agriculture across Vanuatu. His proactive use of the planting calendar demonstrates how community-based tools can strengthen resilience, protect food security, and ensure cultural continuity in the face of climate change.

Over 100 people visited the VMGD booth during the week-long PSC Open Day in Tanna to learn more about the services the department provides.

This initiative forms part of the Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redy, Adapt mo Protekt (VanKIRAP) project, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which focuses on equipping Ni-Vanuatu with knowledge and resources to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.